Anyway, it’s with a heavy heart that I write about the last week of K9 Kamp. The final challenge required me to exercise (wordplay!) some independent judgment (not my strong suit) and choose what to do with Bella this week. That’s right – it was Kamper’s Choice! (I initially typed that Khoice… oops.) Read on to find out how we did.

Well, we did a lot of tug. (I realize that’s what I say every week – however, I’ve got to give the pup what she wants. You know how it is.) The pup and I also incorporated some games of chase into our day – as in, I chase Bella around and she runs away from me for some reason. I don’t know why she runs, but when she gets what I like to call “the crazy eyes,” I know that she’s in the mood to run around like a nut. It’s a good excuse for me to get moving as well!

Finally, we added one new activity to the rotation. (I thought about catch, but Bella has some… issues with that one.) There’s a game around our house known as Peanut Butter Bella Time. One day, I discovered that Bella got very excited if I said “peanut butter jelly time” (even though she has not yet connected this phrase with the delicious substance that is peanut butter). So, it quickly became Peanut Butter Bella Time – when I say it to her, she dances around and wants to play. So, this week, whenever I said the magic words, I also danced around with her. (I should have thought of this one for last week’s Doggone Minute to Win It challenge.)

Peanut Butter Bella'd out

This year’s Kamp has been a different experience from the last one. Then, we were battling rain – this year, we were fighting our way off the DL. On a positive note, my ankle seems to be on the mend, and Bella seems to be feeling more like herself. It’s especially promising that her appetite has returned, and she has rejoined the Clean Plate Club. (I squealed quite a bit when my husband sent me a photo of an empty food dish earlier this week – my “woof it all down within five minutes of its appearance” pup is back! Her lack of interest in food had me worried.)

At the end of the day, I’m very glad we returned to Kamp this year. It always puts my creativity and adaptability to the test. This year, I’ve learned that I have no excuse for being lazy – even if I’m not at the top of my game, I can still find ways to work fitness into my (and Bella’s) daily routine. I hope that Kamp will inspire me to be more aware of these opportunites throughout the rest of the year as well.

I’m glad you and Bella are starting to feel better now. See, K9kamp is healing! It was fun to see all the different ways that you and Bella fit fitness into your daily routine. Thanks for kamping with us!
Peggy, Kelly and BrooksPeggy Frezon recently posted..What I Learned at K9Kamp

I love when they get crazy eyes . .Cali barks at me when I dance, what do you think that means? She has always thought that it must be playtime if I’m dancing . .gotta love ’em 🙂 Nice job finishing out the Kamp – I hope your ankle is soon back to 100% and Bella is consistently cleaning her plate!!Julie recently posted..Wordless Wednesday #32

It is crazy it’s over so soon, isn’t it? I am glad you were able to participate, even though neither you or Bella were at the top of your game. It sounds like you managed to fit in a lot of fun, which is what it’s all about, I think. We never get enough of that these days!

Having owned a beagle before, I know how worrisome it is when they don’t eat! Hope she keeps cleaning her plate.
Was hoping for video of the Peanut Butter Bella Dance… Maybe for next year’s Kamp? Guess us something to look forward to?
Nice kamping with you!Jackie Bouchard recently posted..Happy Kampers

We are so glad that you were able to join us again this year, even with your injury! It means the world to us and we had a lot of fun seeing how you and Bella tackled the challenges! We have the BEST kampers ever!Kolchak, Felix & Jodi recently posted..Big Dogs Work It Out with a Varsity Ball Giveaway